Bakersfield Life

Solvang's got style

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    Solvang, the Danish capital of America, is a year-round vacation destination that offers so much to see and do that a weekend visit will only whet your appetite for more. And more there is — much more!   So what to do on your first visit? Eat the local foods. Shop for unique European goods. Taste wines from local vineyards. Soak up the Danish-style architecture. Get a painless history lesson.Eat     You can literally follow your nose to the closest bakery as the smell of fresh Danish pastries hits you from the moment you open your car door. For breakfast, you must try the legendary Aebleskiver, a ball-shaped Danish pancake served with jam and powdered sugar. For lunch or dinner try The Red Viking’s all-you-can-eat smorgasbord, which includes cold salads, cold cuts, Danish meatballs, Swedish meatballs, meatloaf, red cabbage and fresh-baked bread from Olsen’s Bakery. For desert go to Ingebord’s Chocolates, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and soda fountain specializing in handmade Danish chocolates. And just before you head back to your room or RV, stop by Baby Cakes Boutique and pick up a few of their very special cupcakes filled with chocolate ganache, peanut butter cream or a fruit curd. These delightful little cupcakes are all topped with melt-in-your-mouth homemade Swiss meringue. Yum!Shopping     Close your eyes and picture a shopper’s paradise — that’s Solvang. The primary retail areas are along Mission Drive, Copenhagen Drive and Alisal Road. You’ll find specialty shops selling wearable art, clogs, gourmet food, handmade lace, art glass, music boxes, clocks, clothing, ironwork, porcelain, collectibles, crafted imports, colorful furnishings, Danish arts and crafts and classic toys. There’s a year-round Christmas shop, a needlework store and several art galleries, including a Thomas Kinkade gallery. If you’re a book lover, The Book Loft offers new, used and rare books and specializes in Scandinavian books. It also houses the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and has the world’s largest selection of Andersen books for sale. Wine     Looking to restock your wine rack or just find a favorite new wine? The Santa Ynez Valley is one of three distinct American Viticultural Areas and within its boundaries are many award-winning wineries. You’ll find more than a dozen wine bars and tasting rooms in easy walking distance. Beyond the village, in every direction, are acres of picturesque vineyards and wineries. A wine tour via limousine is a fun and luxurious way to see the sights and taste the wines. Or how about a Jeep tour of the back-country roads? For the more physical folks, there’s guided bike tours.  History     Solvang was founded in 1911 as a settlement for the Danes, who bought 9,000 acres of the former Rancho San Carlos de Jonata and built their village next to Mission Santa Ines, the 19th  in the string of 21 missions on the El Camino Real. The Old Mission Santa Ines, still an active parish, was founded Sept. 17, 1804, by Father Estevan Tapis and overlooks the Santa Ynez River Valley. The mission has a great museum, gift shop and beautiful rose garden. Bone up on your Scandinavian history at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art where period rooms show how people lived way back when. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum, located above The Book Loft, houses an extensive collection of memorabilia pertaining to the Andersen’s life as well as hundreds of his books, letters, manuscripts and photos. This is a great place to take the kids and introduce them to some of the world’s most endearing stories.  Sightseeing    Solvang, named one of the “Top 5 U.S. Domestic Destinations with International Flair” by Orbitz Worldwide Travel, is a feast for the eyes. Hop on the Solvang Trolley (known as the Honen) a vintage wooden streetcar powered by a pair of draft horses, and take a 20-minute guided tour of the village, rent a four-wheel surrey cycle and apply human pedal power, or simply walk around the 2.2-square-mile village at your leisure. The sidewalks are lined with colorful flowers and comfy benches. Everywhere you turn you’ll see a windmill and atop many of the old world-style buildings you’ll see a statue of a stork because the Danes believe that a stork’s presence on a roof is a symbol of good luck. Winter events     You’re just in time to catch the end of Julefest, which began Nov. 20 and ends Jan. 8. Solvang is transformed into a European-style Christmas village with millions of twinkling lights and outdoor Christmas decorations. Enjoy the “Village of Music,” featuring holiday musicals, free concerts, carolers and street singers. Places to stay    When you’ve had your fill of food, drink and everything else, check into one of the 34 inns, lodges, luxury resorts, full-service hotels, RV parks or campgrounds, which range in amenities and price.     For addresses of specific places, contact the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau at 800-468-6765 or visit SolvangUSA.com. The Web site offers a visitor’s guide, a walking map, a wine map and a map to Neverland.More to doWhile you’re in the area, check out these places and activities:

• Pea Soup Andersen’s restaurant and inn
• Golfing at Alisal River Course
• Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
• Nature cruises and camping at Cachuma Lake
• Bird-watching and the waterfall at Nojoqui Falls County Park
• La Purisima Mission
• Flag is Up Farms, home of the “Man Who Listens to Horses”
• Chaotic Exotics Orchid Ranch
• Clairmont Farm, known for its lavender
• Los Olivos